Kitchen Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned restaurant chain that has made its mark in the food industry by embracing a blend of innovative culinary creativity and a strong commitment to community values. Established in 1985 by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK revolutionized the pizza landscape by introducing hearth-baked pizzas with bold, unique flavors such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken. With its lively open kitchen design, CPK offers a dining experience that not only focuses on quality food but also on inviting guests into the heart of the culinary process. The company stands distinctively alongside other pizza pioneers from Chicago and New York, bringing a taste of California creativity and culture to each meal.

CPK is more than just a restaurant; it is a place where passionate individuals unite under a shared philosophy called ROCKS — Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service. These guiding principles foster a welcoming and supportive workplace environment, encouraging team members to bring their authentic selves to work and contribute positively to their communities. Emphasizing a people-first mentality and a culture of inclusion, CPK strives to be a home for taste makers, rule breakers, and earth shakers who dare to work on the edge and think outside the box.

The role at CPK is designed for individuals who are passionate about hospitality and culinary excellence, offering a unique opportunity to grow within a company that values internal promotion and continuous development. Management at CPK involves overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring smooth coordination among food preparation, cooking, and plating, especially during peak business periods. The role demands strong leadership abilities to inspire, motivate, and develop team members while maintaining the restaurant's high standards of service and hospitality.

Managers play a pivotal role in building a collaborative team that embodies the CPK culture and delivers phenomenal guest experiences. They are responsible for driving business success by managing sales, profitability, guest counts, and the overall P&L of the restaurant. This requires sharp financial acumen, including forecasting, labor cost management, portion control, budgeting, and variance analysis.

In addition to operational responsibilities, communication proficiency is crucial, both verbal and written. The ability to engage effectively with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management ensures a cohesive work environment. Proficiency in Spanish is considered a plus but not mandatory. Furthermore, maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is a key aspect of the job, following sanitation standards and procedures rigorously.

CPK offers a comprehensive eight-week training program featuring multiple learning modalities such as online modules, reading materials, and hands-on shoulder-to-shoulder coaching. The company provides an industry-competitive compensation package with bonus potential, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance. Employees enjoy unique perks such as all-you-can-eat pizza during shifts, a Management Dine-Out card, and access to "The Proof," an innovative electronic learning platform designed to support continuous professional development.

Additionally, CPK promotes a supportive workplace through its employee-driven Kindness Fund, which assists team members facing life challenges. The company is committed to fair and equal employment opportunities, ensuring that all applicants are invited to apply regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or any other legally protected classification. The work environment balances physical demands such as standing, walking, lifting up to 40 pounds, and occasional bending or kneeling with a moderate noise level and temperature.

Overall, joining California Pizza Kitchen means becoming part of a dynamic, passionate community that values creativity, growth, and exemplary guest service. This role offers a rewarding career path for those eager to lead with heart, drive operational success, and contribute to an inspiring company legacy.